Efficient Fuel consumption tips

A substantial portion of the costs of operating a farm covers tractor and machinery operation. The recent sharp increase in fuel costs has created an additional incentive to reduce fuel costs and become more efficient in the use of agricultural machinery.

Here are 14 tips for reducing fuel consumption and improving the efficiency of tractors and machinery:

Reduce tillage operations: Switch to no-till or minimum tillage options. This can reduce fuel use by 86%.

Read operator’s manuals and follow the maintenance schedules recommended by the manufacturers.

If the tractor engine is exhausting black smoke, clean the injectors.

Use manure more efficiently as a substitute for fertilizers (Figure 1).

Avoid using big tractors to pull small loads. Match the tractor to the power requirements of the job (Figure 2).

Replace air and fuel filters regularly, especially when working in dusty conditions (Figure 3).

Figure 1. Using manure more efficiently reduces the number of passes through the field for fertilizer application.

Figure 2. Matching the tractor size to the implement saves energy and reduces frustration in the field.